Power generation: Buhari initiates revamping of Enugu Coal

This is in fulfillment of his 2015 campaign promises to the people of the South-East zone.

The process came at a time the House of Representatives rejected the bill for the establishment of South-East Development Commission (SEDC)

Buhari had while addressing an All Progressives Congress (APC) state rally in Enugu State on January 10, 2015, at Okpara Square Enugu promised to revamp Enugu Coal to generate electricity and employment for millions of unemployed youth in the South-East geo-political zone.

In line with the promise, the President has mandated the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, His Excellency, Dr John Kayode Fayemi to facilitate the process for revamping of Enugu coal.

Sequel to Fayemi’s visit to Enugu recently, the State Government yesterday opened discussions with a South-African firm, Simang Group as its technical partners towards the exploitation of the coal deposits in the state for purposes of power generation.

Speaking at the occasion, the Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr. Osita Okechukwu said he was just a messenger here to deliver a message from President Buhari who directed him to tell Ndigbo that he has commenced the first phase of the promise to revamp Enugu Coal to generate electricity and employment.

Okechukwu said after a careful evaluation of all the companies that indicated interest by Hon. Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Simang group was adjudged to partner with Federal and State Governments to revamp Enugu coal.

Speaking on behalf of the investors, the Executive Vice Chairman, Pan African Development Corporation, Dr. Odilim Basil Enwegbara, said their intervention would certainly change the narrative of electric power generation in Nigeria, especially in the South East part of the country.

Enwegbara stated that as investors, they clearly understood the challenges and are determined to commence operation as soon as possible.

“We can convey the little resource into the much needed electricity,” he said.

The chairman of the Simang Group, Mr. Steve Paddy, said they intend to start with 600 megawatts of electricity and upscale it subsequently.

An elated Governor Ugwuanyi said revamping of Enugu coal will generate electricity which is an enabler that has multiplier effect on the growth of the economy and thanked President Buhari for this laudable programme.

The Governor said the move to revitalize the Enugu coal industry was in line with the current power sector reforms initiated by President Buhari.

Ugwuanyi added that the new move would help “generate alternative and more vital sources of power generation in the country.”